Garlic-Infused Chicken Thighs with Lemon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chicken thighs seared until golden with a bright lemon-garlic sauce that complements the crispy skin perfectly. This american-inspired chicken (low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 10 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and cook for 8 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken and set aside. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 lemon zested, 1 lemon juiced, and 1/4 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves. Cook for 2 minutes to heat through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Infused Chicken Thighs with Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic-Infused Chicken Thighs with Lemon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Infused Chicken Thighs with Lemon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic-Infused Chicken Thighs with Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Garlic-Infused Chicken Thighs with Lemon low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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